DAMTA Presents

Our 2025 Spring Programs

04/09/25

Dr. Fernanda  Nieto

All Spring Programs take place on Wednesdays from 10:30 am until Noon.

Join DAMTA in person at Classic Pianos or online from the comfort of your own home!

About our Presenters

January 8th: Desireé González-Miller

Expanding the Repertoire: Music of Latin American Composers for the Beginner Piano Student

Description: Expanding the Repertoire: Piano Music of Latin-American Composers, offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich musical heritage of Latin America through the lens of beginner piano pedagogy. This presentation highlights works by notable Latin American composers, addressing a gap in classical Latin-American piano repertoire. The collection includes cultural insights, historical context, and pedagogical tips, making it an invaluable resource for educators. Dr. González-Miller will demonstrate innovative repertoire pieces that foster both musical and cultural understanding, empowering educators to introduce students to the diverse and dynamic musical traditions of Latin America. 

Presenter Bio: Desireé González-Miller, DMA, NCTM, is an award-winning Mexican pianist and pedagogue.  She is a frequent presenter at national and international music conferences where she advocates for Latin American piano repertoire.  Dr. González-Miller currently serves as the director of the University of Utah Piano Outreach Program.

*This Program will be presented online only.  

February 12th: Jeriel Jorguenson

Broadening Baroque: The Life and Works of Ignatius Sancho

Description: Looking for a fresh and unique take on the Baroque era? This session explores the life of Ignatius Sancho, an underrepresented but lively Baroque composer of color, and features performances from his colorful suite, “Twelve Country Dances.” This work offers a perfect introduction to this era, and can provide teachers and students the opportunity to expand their own knowledge of composers of color.

Presenter Bio: Belizean-born pianist Dr. Jeriel Jorguenson is a promising young performer and professor. He enjoys performing and sharing music of all kinds with audiences and friends. He is on staff at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN.

*This Program will be presented online only.  

March 5th: Valencia Baryton Project

The Baryton: King of Instruments, Instrument of Kings

Description: The Valencia Baryton Project introduces one of musical history’s lost treasures – the baryton. Featuring 16 strings, both bowed on the front and plucked like a harp in the back, the baryton was the favored instrument of the German and Austrian nobility, and the Valencia Baryton Project has been resurrecting this instrument through works both old and new to bring back to life a long lost soundscape of the classical era. 

Biography: The Valencia Baryton Project was founded by barytonist Matthew Baker, one of only a handful baryton performers in the world, with the vision of performing the nearly 160 works written by Franz Joseph Haydn for the baryton, as well as compositions by other composers, both modern and classical. At the heart of the repertoire is the traditional baryton trio—baryton, viola, and cello—for which Haydn wrote 123 works of outstanding beauty during his time as court composer for Prince Esterhazy of Austria.

The Valencia Baryton Project has delighted audiences in sold-out concerts throughout North, Central and South America as well as Europe with what was considered to be the pinnacle of aristocratic instruments of the classical era. In over 100 concerts throughout the world, the trio has appeared on the front cover of Ritmo (Spain), had a full length article published in The Strad, and was nominated for the Carles Santos awards in Spain as well. Their 2 Naxos CDs have made it into the top 13 of Amazon music sales, Gramophone top 20 classical charts and have been reviewed across the globe.

April 9th: Dr. Fernando Nieto

Cultivating Mindfulness in the Piano Studio

Description: This session will explore recent research on mindfulness and music and its practical application to the private lesson environment. We will practice together breathing exercises that can be incorporated into piano lessons at all levels, exploring the benefits mindful awareness has both for music making and our lives. 

Presenter Bio: Dr Nieto is the director of education and community engagement with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra. An avid pianist and educator, she is passionate about incorporating mindfulness in all aspects of music making.